As Indianapolis Colts’ Luck would have it – NFL Feature
Indianapolis Colts’ owner Jim Irsay went through the most difficult times since last year. First, it was the miserable ending of the 2011 National Football League (NFL) season and then controversial handling of former quarterback Peyton Manning affair.
He was criticised for every choice he made, every decision he took. Many of his close friends became his foes on the way to this season. Even more lethal was the detachment of the team’s fans.
The owner stuck to the choice he had made since the very first day the team found itself on the losing way, and the only four-time most valuable player (MVP), Peyton, became an issue of health and fitness due a persisting neck problem.
Although the owner did not disclose his plans to any one concerning the organisation or to an onlooker, he deep down knew his strategy would work out. This is exactly how had handled a similar issue about more than a decade ago, when it was Peyton Manning
to replace Jim Harbaugh in 1998.
So with all the criticism and controversy, Irsay stuck to his decision and drafted rookie QB Andrew Luck – the top-notch colleague player into the side. The minute Andrew was confirmed to be the Colts’ only and final choice, a flood of commentaries around
expectations from the emerging star started hitting the headlines.
He was compared with Peyton, rated to be better in some aspects and analysed to be worse in some. Overall, Luck’s stature was reflected to be better than his predecessor. For example, Luck appeared to more mature than his age, his leadership skills completely
honed and decision making very impressive.
The future’s offence leader did not have much time to spend with the team due to academic reasons but in first three days at the camp the first impression of him was the lasting one. His eagerness and enthusiasm were above all other qualities. He seemed
to be aware that the Colts’ future is on his shoulder and behaved accordingly.
Another important aspect that some of the onlookers liked the most about Luck was his maturity. He did not act in a macho style being young and one of the most celebrated quarterbacks in the league. Most of the time he played cool and calm, much to the liking
of owner Jim Irsay, who in the meantime hoped the choice he had made was credible.
It was a rather good start for the rookie offence leader, given the pressure he was put in by his opponents to bully him right from the beginning but he navigated through the difficult waters very successfully.
Then came the day when Luck surprised everyone. It was the game against their visitors the Miami Dolphins when he put up 433 yards for his throws breaking the previously held record of 432 yards in a game. Since then he has become the most celebrated star
in Indianapolis.
This has also provided a room for Irsay to walk about taller and sound louder, probably airing the message to people who had questioned credibility of his choice about Luck. They did not know that the Colts can do better, but, as Luck would have it, they
have done so.
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